NEW YORK - Jon Wilson, Columbia’s head women’s volleyball coach since January 2008, has retired from coaching, Dr. M. Dianne Murphy, Director, Intercollegiate Athletics and Physical Education announced today.

“Jon is both a wonderful volleyball coach and person,” Murphy said. “Jon has done a great job rebuilding our volleyball program. We support him in his decision 100 percent.”

Wilson took over a Lions’ volleyball program that went 3-23, 0-14 in 2007. During his tenure, Wilson’s team tied the school record for wins (16) in 2010, and set the school record for Ivy League wins (9) in 2011 and 2012. The Lions finished second in the Ivy League in 2012, the highest finish in school history.

Wilson’s teams finished with 12 or more wins in four of six seasons, and with a winning overall record in three seasons. He finishes with a 69-78 overall record and a 33-51 record in the Ivy League. Wilson has coached 14 All-Ivy League players, including Megan Gaughn '13CC, who was Columbia's first-ever unanimous first team All-Ivy League selection, and the first Columbia volleyball player to earn first team All-Ivy League honors for three consecutive years.

“This was a difficult decision. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Columbia and my more than 20 years coaching college women’s volleyball,” Wilson said. “This was the right time for me to move on to another chapter in my life. I must give a special thanks to Dr. M. Dianne Murphy for giving me this wonderful opportunity. These were six of the best years of my life.”

“I know that we will be able to build on all the fabulous work that Jon initiated,” Murphy said. “We remain committed to achieving and sustaining excellence in volleyball. We thank Jon for all of his hard work and dedication. We wish him nothing but the best.”